By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the deployment of sustainable digital infrastructure across Nigeria by integrating renewable energy solutions with telecommunications infrastructure.
The agreement was formalised during the NCC–REA Stakeholder Workshop held at the NCC Annex Office Auditorium in Mbora, Abuja, with stakeholders describing the partnership as a major boost to the Federal Government’s drive for universal broadband access, rural electrification and inclusive digital development.
Speaking at the event, themed “Unlocking the Energy–Telecoms Nexus for Scalable Digital Infrastructure in Nigeria,” the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, said the collaboration marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to bridge both the digital and energy divide.
He stressed that reliable electricity and digital connectivity are inseparable pillars of economic growth, noting that communities without stable power struggle to sustain telecommunications infrastructure, while areas lacking connectivity are unable to maximise the benefits of electrification.
Oshadami explained that the partnership would establish a coordinated framework for aligning telecommunications and rural electrification programmes through joint planning, infrastructure sharing and renewable energy deployment.
Under the agreement, the REA will provide geospatial information on existing and planned electrification projects, while the NCC will share data on Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) initiatives.
The exchange of information, he said, will enable both agencies to identify underserved communities requiring simultaneous energy and connectivity interventions.
He further disclosed that the collaboration would explore powering telecommunications infrastructure, including base stations and fibre repeater sites, through REA’s off-grid renewable energy projects, while encouraging the co-location of telecom facilities on REA energy assets wherever technically feasible.
According to him, the initiative will significantly reduce infrastructure deployment costs, improve operational efficiency and accelerate broadband expansion to underserved and unserved communities across the country.
Courtesy Photo: L-R: Mr. Kashim Ibrahim, Director, Legal Services, Rural Electrification Agency, REA; Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, Executive Director Technical Services, REA; Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner Technical Services Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC; Mr Gwa Tobbie Mohammed, Director, Commission Secretariat, NCC, during the NCC-REA Stakeholders’ Forum and MoU Signing Ceremony, on the 24th of July 2026, at the Commission’s Annex Mbora Abuja.
“Representing the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, the Executive Director, Technical Services, Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, said Nigeria’s digital economy can only thrive on a reliable and sustainable energy foundation.
He noted that renewable energy mini-grids offer a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to diesel-powered telecommunications sites, adding that the collaboration would create new commercial opportunities for telecom operators and renewable energy developers.
The workshop also featured technical presentations by the NCC–REA Collaboration Committee on geospatial mapping, pilot project opportunities and implementation strategies, alongside panel discussions on financing models, regulatory frameworks and infrastructure planning.
Oshadami called on stakeholders to move beyond expressions of support by developing practical financing mechanisms, viable commercial models and enabling regulatory policies capable of delivering sustainable projects at scale.
The NCC and REA said the partnership aligns with the Federal Government’s digital economy and rural development agenda, with the two agencies committed to improving infrastructure planning, expanding broadband connectivity, promoting renewable energy adoption in telecommunications networks and delivering resilient, scalable and sustainable digital infrastructure to drive socio-economic development nationwide.
Courtesy Photo: L-R: Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner Technical Services, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Engr. Umar Abdullahi Umar, Executive Director Technical Services, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), during the NCC-REA, Stakeholder Forum and MoU Signing Ceremony, held on July 24, 2026, at the NCC Annex Office Mbora, Abuja.
